"Thanks!" to Anon at 9:38 AM (in this post) who came up with a great suggestion for a post: "With holiday party season approaching, I thought it would be interesting to see what other Aficionadas & Aficionados are planning to wear."With lots of holiday parties nearing, I think now is a great time to start thinking about "what to wear" (and it would make for a fun post to see what other members come up with for outfits). :)
I do have a few (casual) holiday parties coming up. Although I haven't finalized what I am going to wear (because the weather in the Northeast can be a bit tricky), one outfit I am leaning towards is: my Candy tee in bright tulip (Item 10605; was $49.50, now $29.99, also the one shown in the image above) over my Maisie Ruffle Blouse in white (Item 99680; was $78.00, now $49.99), with the Stretch Leightweight Denim Trousers (was $98.00, now $69.99) and my Juliet Patent-Leather Midheels in blanched almond (Item 96716; $198.00, in-stores for $129.99).What are you planning to wear for your Holiday parties? Are you planning to go "head to toe" J.Crew or parts J.Crew?
I am going to wear the Ella Wool Herringbone dress in Dark Peony. I made a Polyvore set with it.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.polyvore.com/office_christmas_party_12_08/set?id=5110104
def going to wear my madeline - perfect for all of my parties!
ReplyDeleteof course! linen antonia dress and black tights/boots. unusual combo but it still looks pretty good. by the way I am selling the wood barrel gold chain link charm bracelet that i received as a gift... way too big for my arm but a lovely piece for someone who can pull it off!!
ReplyDeletehttp://shop.ebay.com/merchant/plumaplomb_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_mdoZ
I'm planning on wearing my black melanie button cuff cardi over a black strapless dress I have - similar to the cotton caddy dress - with leopard print heels.
ReplyDeleteOT, new promo: extra 20% off of markdowns and free ship on orders over $125. Not quite as good as HOHOHO, but at least there's discount and FS.
ReplyDeletePS, code is EXTRA20.
ReplyDeleteIf I order via the red phone & use the EXTRA20 code on sale items, can I get free shipping? Or no? wondering if it's worth it
ReplyDeleteAlso, those of you into R. Minkoff: do you prefer the MAB(morning after bag) or the mini version?
ReplyDeleteThanks! : )
Also, which colors do you like? I am debating between the MAB and the mini in cloud grey and navy luxe
kendra - I think the free shipping automatically happens w/this promo if you spend more than $125 after the 20%. That's my take on it. As usual, the promo reads as a dreaded word problem.
ReplyDeletegigiofca- I was planning on only getting a few bathing suit pieces and spending less than $100..thus, you see my shipping dilemma : (
ReplyDeleteOT, does anyone own or has tried on the Clara Chiffon Cardigan? If so, please review its fit, sizing and degree of attractiveness. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThe Antlers Union Suit obviously.
ReplyDeletegigiofca, i so agree on the word problem. this promo says not valid on phone orders... does that include the red phone? and for those of us who had numerous issues with online orders, or worse yet had our carts spontaneously emptied repeatedly, leaving us no choice but a phone order, i guess that's out this time? but it's valid in store, which makes me wonder if the no phone orders for this discount is because they've been inundated with phone calls. or maybe it's the hiring freeze leaving the call center short staffed? my last few calls to them for orders/problems all had long waits.
ReplyDeletekendra - Maybe they will have a different promo just before Christmas and your suit pieces will still be there.
ReplyDeleteanon @1:37a - The Clara chiffon cardi is not a winner in my book. I also think it hangs lower on the body than what you see on the model. She *must* be wearing a small. If you have a shorter torso it will be longer and more towards the hip. It hit me in an odd place. For those with longer torsos and it will fit higher up, of course, as on the model. I think torso length is a consideration because the chiffon adds weight. So if you have a short torso you have the illusion of extra weight due to the gathered chiffon. See the rear photo of the model for an example of what I mean. The acorn looked muddy for lack of a better description. The navy looks nice in person. It's rich. The pewter is ok. I can see a darker gray or sparkly silver tank underneath that one. HTH.
gracefully -- Good question about the red phone, as opposed to a regular phone. The promos always say 'not valid on phone orders.' And then the website crashes, so many people call in anyway.
ReplyDeleteGood catch that the offer is valid in-store as well. Plus points to J Crew for Free Ship + a percentage off. Also for matching the online discount to the in-store discount. That makes the most sense. I hope they'll keep it that way. We can go in-person if we can/want to and those who can only shop online aren't slighted either. This will also provide relief to the SAs and CS reps who can count on promos being more consistent company wide.
dctrend - Love the black tights w/linen Antonia. Great way to transition it for the weather.
Kendra - You can order over $125 to get the discount and the free shipping, then return what you don't want and still get to keep both the discount and free shipping. So you can get the one pair of cords, but order other stuff and return it. I know it's a sketchy work around of their free shipping, but if shipping weren't so much, I wouldn't do it.
ReplyDeleteKendra: You could order an item to make the $100 and then return the item at your B&M. I call this a "ridealong."
ReplyDeleteI'm going very simple and neutral for Christmas Eve with the in-laws, with the exception of my bronzed ochre double serge pencil skirt:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=5140171
I'm not wearing J. Crew for the company holiday party. Sigh.
All these holiday outfits sound and look great!
ReplyDeleteIt's not from this year but I was able to get my hands on a Bal d'Hiver dress so that will be what I will wear to DH's NYE company party. I plan to try paring it with the Mandy boucle jacket from last year too and the Opera gloves in cloud grey. For shoes I am probably going to wear the CL red patent rolandos.
Alexis,
ReplyDeleteIt is fun to hear what you may be wearing.
I would love to know what items you have been buying from JCrew this fall and winter.
I enjoyed hearing about your Chino Cooper jacket purchase (even though I did not get one) and would like to hear about your favorite and not so favorite items.
Clare
Chloe,
ReplyDeleteWhy are you sighing about not wearing JCrew to the company holiday party...don't you have some fab, $ dress already to go?
I got the madeline dress yesterday and I'm in love! I'll be wearing it to at least 2 parties. For a more casual one I have this upcoming week, I'm wearing black Keaton pants, tartine cardi in black, and jack purcells. Still trying to decide on what else to put with that outfit....
ReplyDeleteEveryone's Party outfits sound great! Have fun!
ReplyDeleteOT: YAY for another online code!
CHERI - lol, "ridealong." I do the same thing, but I don't have a name for it.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I have to say that my ridealongs are usually "experimental" items that I wouldn't otherwise purchase, but sometimes I end up keeping them once I see them in person. So it's not a total loss for J. Crew!
OT - Did any of you Bostonians notice that they're opening a new store on Newbury Street? (Actually, they claim to be opening one on Newberry Street, but I assume they mean Newbury Street, lol.) According to the website's store locator, it will open in February. Yay!
ReplyDeleteAlexis, thanks for using my post suggestion! Love your blog!
ReplyDeleteI actually had my office party last night. I had three outfits in mind, originally - the Stretch Ponte Ruffle shift dress w/leopard print slingbacks, black J.crew crepe wool suit w/snow leopard harlowe blouse or the Sparkle Plaid Tweed pencil skirt paired with the Quinn blouse in buttercup. The latter two outfits would be paired with black patent leather AK Anne Klein peep-toe pumps. But of couse, the weather turned extremely nasty on Thursday in NYC and although I should've gone with the suit because of the weather, I really wanted to wear the sparkle plaid tweed skirt. (I bought it almost 4 months ago and this is the first opportunity I had to wear it.) So, needless to say, I went with that pencil skirt outfit. It took a good hour for my hose and shoes to dry but I looked cute doing it :))
I had the Ella Wool Herringbone dress, in Dark Peony, size 4 in my bag but waited too long...it's gone.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm going casual this year. Maybe even to the level of Sea Salt bootcut cords, boots and a pretty holiday sweater.
I will also be rocking the Madeline dress at one of my holiday parties. Ladies, I'm interested to know what kind of shoes you are pairing with the Madeline. I'm torn between hugh boots or pumps. For another party I will be wearing the silver Vita cami with a pencil skirt.
ReplyDeleteanon at 7:49
ReplyDeletehow does your stretch ponte dress fit?
I've been dying to get someone's review of the dress and how it runs
With the Madeline dress, I'm wearing the parisian mary janes from last year. I also have solid black ballet flats for another option (in case there's dancing!)
ReplyDeleteI wore my Rose Chiffon Tee with a black velvet blazer and layered pearls, dark jeans & black peep toe wedges at a party last weekend.
ReplyDeleteFor a pretty casual party this weekend I am planning the Candy Tee in Blade with an ivory cardigan, jeans, turquoise metallic skinny belt. I wore the same ivory sweater and the Champagne Candy Tee on Wednesday night to a party and got lots of compliments. The tees seem to be a hit where ever they go :)
For family photos tomorrow I am wearing the short sleeve v-neck cardigan in putty paired with the camel Zoey Lame tank and w/ the Anthropologie Hale Shower Necklace (similar to the Cloud Necklace but smaller) and dark jeans. Husband and kiddo in white button downs with jeans.
Anon@8:24
ReplyDeleteI normally don't buy dresses with pencil skirts because, for me, it requires alterations in the chest & shoulder area. But as soon as I saw this dress, I had to have it. I thought it would be great to wear to one of my holiday parties maybe with a skinny gold belt at the waist. I usually have to buy more than one size because I'm curvy with pear shape tendencies so I usually have to order my skirt size (10) and make alterations in the chest/shoulders. I haven't worn it yet but it has about 3% lycra so it should still hold it's shape without stretching out. I bought an 8 & 10 to compare. The bottom half of the dress fits pretty much the same in both dresses but the size 10 had way too much room in the chest area and armholes. The size 8 fits better but the armholes could be a touch smaller. I don't know if would pay to have it altered because it may need to done through the shoulders and that would mess up the way the dress falls from the waist down. I don't if I helped or made the decision worst for you. You may need to do the same thing I did and order two sizes for comparison. Are you near a B&M so you can return one without incurring shipping costs?
thanks for the review of the dress! I actually live overseas so no luck in trying on. :)
ReplyDeleteI am usually a 6 in bottoms, 4 in top, and 4 in dresses, yet the last time I got a shift style dress (where the neck came up very high) the 4 was very tight in the bust area. (I'm 34C)
Thanks for your help though! any info helps me in making my decision on size.
i LOVE any dress made of jersey/stretch material and i have the ponte pants and LOVE the material. And the ruffle on the dress makes the dress so cute too!
I have a casual holiday party coming up next weekend. Leaning towards wearing my candy bar tee in dark slate, matchstick jeans in premium indigo, merino rose cardigan in light pewter and parisian mary janes.
ReplyDeleteAnon@8:58
ReplyDeleteI'm a full 36B and a 6 would have fit perfectly in the chest but the lower half would have been skin tight.
I know what you mean about the ruffles, I think that's what sold me as well. They're not overwelming and very subtle.
kendra--the morning after is VERY big! I would get the mini and navy luxe is supposed to the da bomb leather! The grey is all over in terms of the shading you get & not sure if you be as happy . The color/leather of navy luxe is just covetable and these bags have GREAT resale on Ebay-check it out there and Hautelook as well (if that sale is still on?) Where are looking to buy--there are some sample sales going on as well. HTH!
ReplyDeleteI'm probably going to wear a sheath dress I got from Ann Taylor. I made a Polyvore outfit with all the accessories:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.polyvore.com/christmas_eve_dinner_family/set?id=4489205
Hello! I love this blog and have been reading for awhile. My husband and I are hosting our first holiday party on the 27th and I'm pretty excited. I plan on wearing a cute outfit I just picked up on the most recent extra 30% off clearance promo-
ReplyDeleteHigh heel flare jeans
Tartine cardigan in the deep persimmon
Chiffon trim tissue tank in the deep green
and the Juliet pantent-leather midheels in blanched almond.
The heels I actually picked up in-store (Seaport store, NYC) at a crazy price of 34 dollars. Even the sales associate was mystified. It was probably some kind of computer glitch but neither of us questioned it. Happy Holidays!
Last weekend I wore my green soiree sweater, dark jeans, and silver heels. Super cute (and comfy)!
ReplyDeleteTo my office party I wore a black turtleneck from target and a black skirt from J.Crew (the Jersey one from earlier this season with the vent back, can't remember the name) and the Cloud Necklace.
ReplyDeleteTo my friend's party I wore a red turtleneck cashmere from J.Crew, my J.crew skinny jeans and the Lulu leather peeptoes in Tulip.
This weekend I have another formal event so I plan on wearing a sweaterdress from last season OR a pleated skirt, haven't decided yet...I'll probably wear the cloud necklace and black shoes again to add a hint of sophistication.
For my Christmas holiday itself I will probably be doing the red J.Crew turtleneck/Tulips for day one and for day 2 something a bit more dressy and/or including the J.Crew Christmas sweater from last year.
I already wore mine but I had polyvored it too
ReplyDeletehttp://www.polyvore.com/banana_republic_silk_skirt/set?id=5001948
Didn't wear all the accessories and used a diff clutch in the end...
All of these outfits sounds so cute!
ReplyDeleteCHERI - "ridealong" is funny!. Like Anonymous @ 7:43 AM. I sometimes add an item that I am unsure of. Esp one that is available only online. I've been pleasantly surprised many times. And sometimes I add an item that I know I don't like and won't keep if that helps me stay on a budget I've set. Luckily I can return in-person. Of course when I go in the store I usually find something else so J Crew wins in the end.
anon @12:16am (and anyone else who owns this item): How do you find the Ella fits? I really like how it looks on the model, but am not sure about the shoulders - I worry I'd have to constantly be contorting my shoulders to make sure the sleeves don't fall down. And how is the fabric? It looks so pretty online! Thanks in advance! :)
ReplyDeleteCheri and gigi-you guys are describing yet another reason J Crew and other retailers DO have a minimum--it's forces peole to buy more and even take a chance on something they are unsure of and often pleasantly surprised:)
ReplyDeleteoff topic-
ReplyDeleteFFM:
Can you please tell what all you have ordered recently? Sorry to be nosy . I posted this earlier on another thread and I noticed someone else asked you the same thing! We want to know! love your sets btw. tia!
anon at 10:54 AM : How do you like the cloud necklace? Is it heavy? Thank you.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous @ 5:30 AM- I do have a fabulous dress ready to go, but it isn't J. Crew. I had to deviate a bit this year. :D
ReplyDeleteMelanie and/or Alexis,
ReplyDeleteI am anon at 12:16 AM. Here is my review of the Ella dress. I think the Ella dress fits TTS. I am normally a medium in tops, 8 in pants, 10 in skirts. I ordered the 10 because they said the bodice of the Ella was fitted. It fits very well. They were accurate in their description, it was very fitted. You don't have to worry about the sleeves falling down, the fabric has no stretch and stays in place on the shoulders nicely. The one thing I didn't like about it was that because the fabric has no stretch, the sleeves do not have give to them and you can't raise your arms that high because they are off the shoulder sleeves. The dark peony color is more of a deep pink than maroon. It looked maroon on the model. It is a very pretty color though. The fabric is also very nice and not itchy for being wool. There are snaps to secure your bra, but I found that the fabric is thick enough and the bodice is fitted enough that I did not need to wear one with the dress and nothing showed. I did try it on with a bra and it created massive cleavage that I did not like. I am a 36B for the record. Overall I really like the dress and am wearing it to my office Christmas party tonight! :)
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ReplyDeleteEveryone: Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful outfits! I love these kinds of posts- I have been inspired by many of your suggestions!!! :)
ReplyDeleteClare: I have definitely been purchasing from J.Crew! :) My fav purchase right now are the Juliet Heels in black and bleached almond. For some reason the website is still selling them at full price, but stores are selling them for $129.99 (before discounts applied). I am not a fan of heels, but these are wonderful in that they (1) are only 2" high, (2) with a thick, but still lovely heel and (3) narrow (which is hard for me to find in terms of shoes). They are not the most comfortable shoe, but I have sacrificed comfort for pretty before and I can do it again. ;)
I have also bought tons of J.Crew headbands. Right now, most headbands are on sale for just $3-10 at stores. I find they are great little accessory with a plain tee and jeans. My favorite is unfortunately not on the the website, but they are headbands that are satin, 1" wide, and come in great shades like yellow, turquoise, in addition to black and gray.:)
I absolutely LOVE to dress up so Christmas with all its parties is usually my favorite "dress up" time of year! Tonight I am wearing my Leopard Sequin cardi with my Metallic Perfect Fit tank, a pair of shimmery silver pants that I got a couple of years ago at NM, and my MB Napa Midheel Slingbacks in Platinum.
ReplyDeleteTo the Christmas luncheon that my husband has for his staff I am wearing my J Crew Trouser jeans, Maggie in Ivory with a Black Cashmere turtleneck under it, and black boots that I got from 6pm.com (can't think of the brand offhand but a big THANKS to FFM for introducting me that website...LOVE it!)
On Christmas day I am wearing a Dark Poppy cashmere long sleeve tee, Hipslung jeans, and my Dark Poppy Juliet Midheels.
Once I have figured out my New Year's outfit I will be sure to post. I think everyone's outfits sound FAB and I really appreciate all the beautiful ideas. :)
Happy Holidays!
If I'm entirely honest, I'm *always* head to toe j.crew. I've admitted I have a problem, but since my husband doesn't think it's a problem, I have no reason to try and get better. It can't be healthy for a person to love and only buy from one store, but seriously walking into a j.crew is my *fix*. I am addicted.
ReplyDeleteAnon @ 6:10: I totally admit that I am addicted as well and my name (jcrewjunkie) says it all. I keep telling myself that I MUST look great head to toe as it is good for my husband's business (cosmetic dentistry). I know that is crazy because people really only care about how my veneers look, but still it is the way I account for my purchases! LOL.
ReplyDeleteAnon @7:49 - how do you find the stretch ponte knit dress? I really love ponte knit so I'm interested in this dress. Does it fit TTS? Is there room in the bust or is it pretty small on top? How is the comfort factor?
ReplyDeleteTIA
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ReplyDeleteAnon@6:39p
ReplyDeleteI don't know if you saw my post. I posted a review earlier this morning (Anon@8:54a). I would say it's TTS but it also depends on your body type. It feels comfortable when I tried it on but I haven't actually worn it yet. It isn't lightweight. Nice weight/texture for the winter but too heavy, I think, for late spring or summer. Now that I'm home, I checked the label and it's 67% rayon, 29% nylon and 4% spandex. I usually have to order more than one size for comparison, in these types of items because I'm larger on the bottom. I have to order for my hips and alter the chest/shoulders so I can't really accurately comment on the size of chest area. HTH, at least a little :)
Today was my office Christmas Luncheon and I've got on (since I'm still in the office - LOL) the Berry Astrid Jacket in Plum, Perfect Fit Flower Tank in Dark Fog, Charcoal wool Flared Pants from BR, the Metallic Bow Belt in Pale Gold, Black Pumps and several Crystal Bangles for that added festive look. I created a Polyvore set of what I'm currently wearing and it's posted in my blog. Please feel free to check it out if you'd like to see the set plus read about how the various items fit.
ReplyDeleteMy office Christmas Party was cancelled so I have no wear to wear my Janelle Dress to. But our friends and I are planning to go to a Supper club on the 27th, so I may get to wear it then.
BTW, I love what everyone else is planning to wear. How festive!!!
Last week, a club I'm in had a holiday party - I wore wool minter-white pants from JCrew 05 or 06, gold JCrew loafers from about the same time, the merino Melanie button cuff cardigan in Melon over the antiqued gold sequin tank.
ReplyDeleteA few days ago for a cookie exchange house party I had on the same caridigan over the shell perfect-fit tank with the flower and dark-rinse matchsticks with the gold twinkle ballet flats.
Tomorrow I hit an open house & Kwanzaa celebration in a cherry red sweater dress from last year, white tank underneath b/c the dress is low-cut on me, Rivington black boots and black patterned stockings. I also have a non-JCrew silk green-gold silk scarf. Oh - last weekend, I went to the orchestra & had on JCrew black crepe pants from 5 years ago, a great cardi from last year with a party/ball scene printed on it and my new, very comfy Spectator peep-toe pumps in Dusty Rose. Next week, I have a luncheon - will wear my Sour Lemon metallic Cloque pencil skirt with top & shoes tbd.
WOW, Jen! Party-on:) Those outfits sound AMAZING!
ReplyDeleteOh--your avatar has me curious--what/who is that a picture of?
I have the cashmere Peyton dress in ruby. This color is no longer available, but the other colors are on sale for $79.99! I bought it to wear to my friend's rehearsal dinner a couple weeks ago, and I just love the way it looks with black tights and boots. I wear Spanx under it because it is otherwise a little unflattering to my tummy. I am hoping to find an occasion to wear this during the holidays!
ReplyDeleteI was planning on wearing the silvered tweed pencil skirt with a pink cashmere crew neck, but they canceled the order on my skirt!! Dang it. I've ordered it twice and it's been canceled twice. If anyone sees this in their B&M in size 2, please put on hold and email me at mrsnonia@aol.com.
ReplyDeleteNow I plan to wear a red sweater with the gold pembridge dot pencil skirt.
Jen: Don't you just LOVE that cardi? I wore it the other day and got lots of compliments. Very unique.
ReplyDeleteThere were 3 Black Madeline Dresses at the J.Crew in Orlando: sizes 6, 8, and 10 if anyone is interested. 407-226-9732
ReplyDeleteWore my navy elizabeth halter and salt colored bootcut cords tonight to a holiday party. Dribbled a cosmo on the silk halter of course... never fails ;)
ReplyDeleteOh, Absolutely, jcrewjunkie - whenever I wear that 'party' cardi, I feel good. it's so unique and cool. One of my favorite Jcrew pieces.
ReplyDeleteBig Pin - my avatar is a .pdf (eventually, I'll figure out why the colors are off & fix it) of a Naturalizer catalog insert that featured 'real' women back in 06. I'm the one on the far right. Even got to fly in to NYC for a photo shoot - if you want to know a lot of the tricks that go into a shoot, let me know!